Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrians should utilize sidewalks and crosswalks where available. Where sidewalks are not available, pedestrians should walk to the furthest left side of the roadway walking against traffic. Pedestrians crossing the roadway should avoid distractions such as cell phones and cross the street in a safe, prudent and expeditious manner. Pedestrians should wear visible clothing in the day and reflective and/or bright colored clothing at night.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends awareness of surroundings as one of the most helpful tips for both pedestrians and drivers.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians
- Be alert. If you are wearing headphones or using a cell phone you may not hear a car horn, or could miss a traffic signal at a crosswalk.
- Know that being impaired while walking is dangerous. An estimated 33% of fatal pedestrian crashes in 2018 involved a pedestrian who was drunk.
- NEVER assume that a driver sees you; they could be distracted or impaired. It’s best to make eye contact with drivers to make sure you are seen. Make yourself visible by wearing brightly colored clothing during the day. At night, wear reflective materials, or use a flashlight.
Safety Tips for Drivers
- Look for pedestrians everywhere. Pedestrians may be walking in unexpected areas, or may be hard to see — especially at night, in poorly lit areas, or in bad weather.
- If a vehicle is stopped at a crosswalk be aware they might be stopped to allow pedestrians to cross the street. Always approach these situations slowly and cautiously.
- Stay alert where children may be present, like in school zones and neighborhoods.
- Slow down and carefully adhere to posted speed limits, particularly in pedestrian-heavy areas. Lower speeds are one of the most important factors in pedestrian crash survivability.
Additional Resources
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Pedestrian Safety
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, A Kid’s Guide to Safe Walking